Shockwave Therapy for Foot Pain

What You Need To Know About Shockwave Therapy

Learn how Shockwave Therapy works and what conditions it treats.

Understanding Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is an effective and noninvasive, FDA-approved technique for safely treating bone and soft tissue disorders around the foot and ankle. The technology relies on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate healing.

Sound wave pulses are sent through the area of injured tissue, gradually increasing in intensity throughout the session. This causes harmless micro-trauma in the affected area, stimulating your body’s own healing response through improved circulation and stem cell formation, and leading to accelerated healing and pain relief.

It’s proven effective for a range of foot and ankle conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, posterior and anterior tibial tendonitis, plantar plate injuries, peroneal tendonitis, interdigital neuromas, and incorrectly healed fractured bones.

Injuries can become chronic and resistant to healing over time, responding less to conservative treatment. When pain persists despite rest and standard care, schedule an evaluation with Desert Foot and Ankle to determine whether this treatment is right for your condition.

Treatment Process, Recovery, and Results

The procedure is performed in-office without any anesthesia required. Coupling gel is applied to the treatment area, and pressure waves are then released via an applicator moved over the area in a circular motion. Sessions typically last around 5 to 15 minutes, with at least three generally necessary at weekly intervals.

Because the treatment is noninvasive, patients can bear weight and walk immediately, return to work and normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, and resume strenuous activities after about 4 weeks. No bandages or casts are required, and no downtime is needed between sessions.

Risks and side effects are virtually nonexistent. Some patients experience mild discomfort, redness around the treatment area, or bruising, which usually resolves within a few days. Safety and effectiveness haven’t been determined for people with certain conditions, including malignancies and DVT (deep vein thrombosis), so your provider will discuss whether the procedure is appropriate for you.

Healing rates vary, but most patients feel significantly better within a month, with full benefits developing over up to three months as new tissue forms. Some notice immediate pain relief, though it can take up to four weeks to begin. Over 80% of patients treated report being pain free or experiencing significant pain reduction, allowing them to return to the activities they love.